Page 20

CHAPTER 20

Sienna

Sienna’s running shoes kicked up puffs of red dirt as she jogged along the ancient lava path to Makalawena Beach. The familiar route hadn’t changed in eighteen years, still the same twisted kiawe trees, the same volcanic rocks jutting up like nature’s guardrails, and the same sweet plumeria scent carrying on the ocean breeze.

Her heart raced, but not from the exercise. Each step through wild tangles of morning glory and beach heliotrope unleashed wonderful memories of her and Rusty from a lifetime ago. Stolen kisses in their secret cave, moonlit walks beneath star-strewn skies, and Rusty’s eyes reflecting sunsets of molten gold.

Back then, they’d been young and naive and so sure they had all the time in the world.

Now she knew better. Now every second felt precious.

The path eventually opened to a crescent of pristine sand that was cradled between ancient lava outcrops. Waves rolled in with a hypnotic rhythm, and their foam-laced edges glowed turquoise before dissolving on the shore.

Slipping off her shoes, she scanned the beach for Rusty, but she was alone. It was impossible to tell if he’d crossed the sand before her as the tiny grains would have swallowed his footprints. Volcanic rocks dotted the shoreline like sleeping seals, and a pair of Nene geese waded at the water’s edge, pecking at tiny crabs in the surf.

Usually, this solitude was exactly what she craved. But today, each empty minute stretched like honey in the sun, and her heart hadn’t stopped its wild dance since she’d parked her car.

She was twenty minutes early, but her morning had dragged on forever, and when she’d run out of things to do, she couldn’t wait another second.

As she walked along the sand, a trio of frigate birds soared on thermal currents overhead and their distinctive forked tails silhouetted against the cloudless sky.

Their secret cave finally materialized at the northernmost point just above the high-water mark. Eighteen years of ocean winds and yet the dark mouth in the volcanic face remained unchanged. It was barely more than a hollow in the cliff, and during their crazy summer together, they’d pretended they were the only people in the whole world who knew it existed.

She counted the stepping stones across the sand as she hopped over them. Eleven. The same eleven she’d crossed dozens of times during that steamy summer.

A giggle escaped her lips, part nervousness, part giddy anticipation. The thought of seeing Rusty here again sent sparks dancing under her skin just like it had when she was eighteen.

Her heart stuttered as she reached the cave entrance. There he was, looking like he’d stepped straight from her memories in cargo shorts and a faded navy T-shirt that stretched across his shoulders in a way that made her mouth go dry.

He’d transformed their rocky shelter into something from a romance novel. A rustic blanket was nestled in the shadiest corner with a proper picnic spread that spoke of careful planning. Wine glasses were nestled in a metal bucket where a bottle chilled, and cheese, crackers, and strawberries were arranged with such precision she couldn’t believe Rusty had prepared it.

He must’ve been setting this up for ages.

When he looked up, his smile struck her with that same perfect blend of shyness and confidence that had caught her attention two decades ago. Some things time couldn’t touch: the way his eyes twinkled when he looked at her, lighting up his whole face. His smile still turned her knees to water, making her feel like that mesmerized teenager who’d first fallen under its spell.

Her heart performed a wild dance as he crossed the cave to meet her, his stride carrying that familiar mix of excitement and manliness. Eighteen years dissolved into morning mist, but now she wasn’t that uncertain girl anymore.

She was a woman who understood exactly what she wanted.

And what she wanted was standing right in front of her, looking at her with eyes that held the warmth of a crackling fire.

He extended his hand, and although his expression was solemn, his eyes danced. “Hi, I’m Rusty Callahan.”

A laugh bubbled up from somewhere deep inside her. “Rusty? That name sounds vaguely familiar, but I just can’t?—”

“Come here, you impossible woman.” He pulled her into his arms, spinning her in a circle as the cave walls echoed with their laughter. “You’re early.”

“Couldn’t help it.” She breathed in his scent—salty air, sunshine, and something uniquely him that hadn’t changed in all these years. She rested her fingers at the nape of his neck, exactly where they used to rest.

He lowered her to her feet, but his arms tightened around her waist, and when he kissed her, it was like coming home. Soft at first, tentative, then deepening as though he was remembering her, rediscovering every detail he’d kept locked in memory. The years between them melted away until there was nothing but this moment, the sound of waves, and the taste of his smile against her lips.

The kiss ended softly, just like the waves kissing the shore. She kept her fingers clutched at the back of his neck but drew back just enough to study his face. Time had left its signature—fine lines fanned from his eyes, and threads of silver kissed his temples. But the years had refined him, turning the beautiful boy from her memories into someone so manly, more enchanting, more real.

“I was going to be smooth,” he murmured as his thumb traced lazy circles on the small of her back, sending shivers dancing across her skin. “I had this picnic planned, and I was going to pour your wine and add a strawberry like you used to love, and pretend that I hadn’t spent three hours arranging and rearranging everything.”

“This is better,” she murmured, leaning closer. He popped open the Tupperware of strawberries and held it out to her. As she bit into one, the sweet juice burst on her tongue, mingling with the faint, intoxicating scent of him—familiar warmth laced with something new that made her pulse quicken.

Rusty exhaled heavily. “Do you want the good news or the bad news?” His tone made it clear there wasn’t much “good” in the good news.

Tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she said, “Good news.”

“They found the grave site you saw those men digging.”

Her breath hitched. “They did? Where?”

“Exactly where you said.”

She frowned, her mind racing back to that spot. “But we didn’t see it.”

“Yeah, they’re sneaky bastards. After they filled the grave, they dragged a thin slab of lava over it, blending it perfectly with the landscape.”

“Wow. That’s . . .” She trailed off, searching for the right words.

“Sneaky? Messed up?” he offered.

“Yeah.” She tilted her head, studying him. “How is that good news?”

“It proves your story,” he said, his voice softer now, his eyes meeting hers. “And that you’re not crazy.”

She chuckled softly. “All right, hit me. What’s the bad news?”

He grimaced, his nose scrunching slightly. “The man in the tarp was dead.”

Her smile faded. “Oh no. Who was he?”

“No idea yet,” he said, shaking his head. “But he’s got Yakuza tattoos, so he was one of their own.”

She stared at him, struggling to comprehend how people could live their lives steeped in such darkness.

“There’s more bad news,” he added, his tone heavy.

“Of course there is,” she said with a sigh. “What else?”

“It looks like they’ve been using that gravesite for a while. The dogs have already found four more bodies. God knows how many are still buried out there.”

“Jesus,” she whispered, the weight of that news pressing down on her.

“We would never have found them without you,” he said, his voice warm with gratitude.

She shrugged, exhaling sharply. “Like I told you, it was just an accident.”

For a moment, they sat in silence, nibbling on strawberries, their gazes locked. The sunlight framed him in a golden glow, and as her eyes roamed over his strong, rugged form, she shoved the horrors of Yakuza and graves from her mind. She didn’t want to waste another minute on all that evil. She wanted to focus on him.

She leaned closer, her breath catching. Will his body feel just as incredible beneath my fingertips as it did all those years ago? A slow smile curved her lips. Let’s find out.

With a playful grin, she tugged her top over her head and tossed it aside.

His gaze snapped to her chest. “Oh, hello.” A flicker of disbelief and something hotter flared within his eyes. “No way . . . that’s not the same red bikini, is it?”

She giggled. “Of course not. This body’s seen a few more sunsets since then, and I’m nothing like I used to be.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” he whispered, his voice thick with desire. “You’re more beautiful than ever.”

A delicious warmth spread through her in a cocktail of anticipation and amusement. “Are you sure? I think you need a closer look.” With delicious pulses dancing through her insides, she untied the strings of her bikini top, letting the fabric drift away. The intensity in his gaze made her nipples peak to rock hard.

“Oh,” he breathed and swallowed so loudly she heard it. “You’re right. Your body has changed.”

She gasped.

“These are even better.” He reached for her breasts with a touch that was almost hesitant, like he was in a wonderful dream that he didn’t want to wake from.

As she giggled, he curled his hand beneath her boobs as if reacquainting himself with a landscape he’d once known well. She shivered under his touch, and finding the hem of his shirt, she tugged it upward. He helped her pull the shirt off and tossed it aside.

Her fingers wandered over the chiseled contours of his chest, tracing the defined ridges on his abdomen, and the tantalizing line of hair that drew her gaze downward. As her fingertips danced across his skin, they lingered on the raised scars: a jagged one across his chest, another near his collarbone. These battle marks told a story, and she ached to know how he earned them all.

“Your body has changed, too,” she whispered, her voice rough with desire. A mix of emotions sparked in his eyes that she couldn’t read . . . vulnerability maybe, or longing.

“Yeah, well, this body has been through hell and?—”

She silenced his words with a fierce, possessive kiss. As their mouths merged, a torrent of emotions poured out—years of love, desire, and longing finally unleashed. Her tongue tangled with his, savoring the sweetness of the strawberries and the depth of his desire, a rich, intoxicating flavor that left her breathless.

He responded with a hunger that bordered on desperation, and he kissed her with a primal force that seemed to shatter the walls he’d built around himself. His hand swept up the line of her back, pulling her closer as his fingers dug deep into her skin. The possessive touch ignited a firestorm of passion that had been simmering beneath the surface for years.

Their bodies locked in a fierce, unyielding hold as if letting go would sever the fragile thread that bound them together. He deepened his kiss into a dominating pledge of possession and protection that made her body vibrate with a hunger she’d only ever felt with him.

She no longer just wanted him. She needed him.

Liquid fire coursed through her veins, leaving her breathless and unable to think. The sensations were wild and electrifying, yet a thread of fear trembled through her, warning her that she was surrendering to a force that she’d pledged never to fall for again.

And she hadn’t just fallen, she’d fallen hard and fast for him. Just like she had all those years ago.

For years, she had lied to herself, convinced that she would never surrender to the vulnerability of love. But as her heart soared in her chest, she knew she’d already crossed that line.

And she had no intention of holding back. Years of pent-up emotions and desires demanded release, and she hoped he was ready to face the catching up she planned to do.

As she ground her hips against his, the bulge in his groin strained against his shorts, pressing against her with a tantalizing tease that made her burn for more.

He pulled back, his chest heaving and eyes blazing with a mix of surprise and raw desire. For a moment, they locked gazes, and the air was thick with anticipation and the ragged gasps of their breathing.

“Careful, Sienna,” he warned, his voice husky with the effort of restraint. “It’s been a long time.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and her fingers threaded into his short, red hair as she pressed gentle kisses to his cheek and forehead.

“Me too,” she whispered, her breath dancing as she trailed a path of soft, teasing kisses across his skin. “It’s time to fix that.”

With a swift, almost savage motion, he swept the cheeseboard aside, sending cutlery clattering, and as he inhaled sharply, his eyes devoured her like a man starved of oxygen. “Oh, Sienna,” he whispered, his voice a low growl that seemed to tremble on the edge of control. “You have no idea how happy you make me.”

She ran her tongue over her lips in a slow, deliberate movement that seemed to mesmerize him. “Then show me.”

His hands closed around her waist and his fingers dug deep into her skin as he lowered her to the picnic blanket with a strength that left her breathless. The movement was fluid and untamed as if he was driven by a hunger that had finally broken free of its restraints.

He searched her eyes, his gaze burning with intensity before he claimed her with another fierce kiss. There was no holding back, just a wild passion that seemed to devour them both.

His hands roamed her body, relearning the curves and contours that had changed over time, sending sparks of lust through her veins. Moaning, she tilted her head back, surrendering to the glorious sensations teasing every inch of her body.

She arched beneath him, digging her fingers into the muscles lining his back, pulling him closer, urging him on. She wanted more. She wanted to feel the heat of his skin on all of her body.

His fingers grazed the curve of her hips, sending a shiver through her body before slipping under the waistband of her shorts.

“Take them off,” she breathed.

His eyes narrowed, his expression questioning as if he hadn’t quite caught her words. He rolled to her side, his face inches from hers.

She lifted her hips, locking her eyes on his.

“Take these off,” she said, her voice firmer now.

A spark of understanding flashed in his eyes, followed by a wicked grin. “You got bossy. I like it.”

With a gentle tug, he hooked his fingers under the waistband and slid her shorts down her legs. As he pulled them free, cool air teased the heatwave coursing through her body.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, his eyes sizzling with lust. She felt exposed and vulnerable, and yet, somehow, empowered. His eyes seemed to drink her in, burning with want.

“Your turn,” she whispered.

“All in good time,” he murmured with his eyes glinting with promise. Then, with a low, throaty moan, he shifted between her legs, aligning his body with hers. He leaned forward and grazed his lips over her so delicately that wildfire sparked beneath her skin.

Starting at her breasts, he traced his tongue around her nipples with a gentle, teasing touch that triggered sparks of electricity that ran through her body. His mouth moved lower, leaving a trail of kisses and soft nips that left her gasping for breath.

As he kissed his way down her body, she arched beneath him, digging her fingers into the muscles of his back. She pulled him closer, urging him on, demanding that he take her further, but he took his time, dancing his tongue across her skin in a way that left a path of fire in its wake.

He paused at the soft skin between her navel and pubic hair, and as he brushed his lips to her flesh in a gentle, intimate touch, her body trembled with expectation.

“Lower,” she whispered as a shiver ran through her, building on an orgasm that was set to explode.

“Hmmm.” His lips vibrated on her skin as he kissed an inch lower. “There?”

It wasn’t enough. She wanted more. She wanted his tongue on her, to feel the pleasure that only he could give her.

“Lower,” she demanded, resisting a desperate urge to grab his head, shove him between her legs, and make him give her what she so desperately needed.

He parted her legs wider, his eyes locking onto hers with a hungry, desperate gaze. The air was thick with his restraint, a palpable force that threatened to consume her.

With a slow, deliberate movement, he lowered his head, his tongue making contact with a gentle, electrifying touch. Sparks of ecstasy ignited within her and as he traced the curves of her pussy, waves of pleasure coursed through her body until she gasped.

His tongue danced over her sensitive bud, making her tremble and she gripped his shoulders, digging her fingers into his skin as she raised her knees, opening herself up to him. A deep, guttural moan tore from her throat as a climax surged through her, fast and fierce, in a whirlwind of pleasure that exceeded all expectations.

As her insides tightened and curled, glorious sensations pulsed along every nerve. She arched her back, releasing one final, shuddering gasp as the orgasm washed over her, leaving her spent and sated.

Rusty flashed a big, goofy grin as he whipped his shorts off and flung them aside. “Now that was way better than I remembered.” His eyes gleamed, and his chest heaved. “God, I’ve missed you.”

Still pulsing with ecstasy from her climax, she pulled him up her body, and with her hands on his waist, he shifted to align his hips with hers. He held himself above her, a magnificent figure of rippling muscles and chiseled features as his broad arms caged her in.

With a gentle, teasing touch, he reached down between her legs and used the head of his cock to trace the curves of her entrance. The hot, smooth caress triggered a fresh tidal wave of pleasure, and her body responded with a surge of desire. He entered her with a long, glorious thrust, sinking his cock deep into her core. She gasped, and her breath caught as their bodies merged as one.

A sense of completion filled her with a feeling of being whole and connected like she’d never experienced before. It was as if their bodies were crafted to fit together, their curves and contours meshing in a union that was both fierce and tender. Every inch of her seemed to be made for him, every curve and hollow designed to cradle his body.

She pressed her hands to his sides, pulling him close as his hips rocked against hers in a slow, sensual rhythm. The weight of him on top of her was a delicious pressure that was both calming and exhilarating and each thrust added a spark of pleasure that ran through her entire body.

As his movements grew more urgent, his hand glided around the back of her neck, pinning her in position as he drove into her with fierce, primal energy. She lifted her hips, matching his thrusts so their bodies crashed together in a perfectly choreographed frenzy of desire. The sound of their bodies meeting was a rhythmic pounding, a beat that seemed to match the racing of her heart.

Rusty’s eyes flew open, and they blazed with concentration as if he couldn’t comprehend anything but their bodies merged as one. He clutched her tighter, his fingers digging deep into her skin as his thrusts went deeper, harder. He was getting close. She felt it in the tension of his body, the straining of his muscles.

She dug her fingers into his back, scratching her nails over his skin as she lifted her hips higher, giving him another angle to explore. And explore he did, his body plunging deeper into hers, his movements becoming more frenzied and more urgent as a tidal wave of sensations was poised to crash over her and sweep her away.

“Oh, Sienna,” he whispered, his face inches from hers as his breath danced across her skin. It was as if he was reaching deep into her soul, calling out to the very heart of her.

“Yes, oh yes,” she gasped as her climax ripped through her in a wild and unrelenting storm that left her breathless and trembling. Every nerve ending pulsed with pleasure as Rusty’s hips moved in pounding thrusts.

He halted and his entire body tensed, his muscles straining. He growled her name, a low, primal sound that sent shivers down her spine. Then as if a trigger had been pulled, he plunged into her in a merciless, all-consuming rhythm that drove her to the edge of reality. She cried out, her voice lost in the storm of their passion as another shuddering release tore through her.

Moaning, Rusty leaned forward, and his lips claimed hers in a fierce, devouring kiss. The world dissolved around her, leaving only the two of them and the delicious throbs cruising through her.

As he ended the kiss, Rusty held himself above her, his arms trembling and his chest heaving with ragged breaths. He opened his eyes, and their gazes met in a moment of unadulterated connection.

“Wow,” he breathed.

A soft giggle escaped her lips. “Yeah. Wow.” Tears of joy tingled her eyes.

Rusty rolled to her side, and their bodies entwined just like they had all those years ago. It was astonishing how effortlessly their connection had reignited, as if the eighteen years of separation had only served to intensify the flame. The bond between them was still there, still strong, still tender. But now, it was tempered with a depth and maturity that only time and experience could bring.

A deep sense of belonging enveloped her as if she’d finally found her way back home. Years of feeling lost and alone melted away, replaced by the warmth and security of being in Rusty’s arms. Here, she was free to be herself, without fear or needing to apologize for who she was.

As the sense of certainty washed over her and peace settled in, she knew she was exactly where she belonged.

Rusty propped himself up on his elbow, his brows bunched with concern. “You okay?”

She nodded, and a small smile played on her lips. “Yeah.”

His expression grew skeptical. “I’m sensing a but .”

Her smile grew. “I was just wondering if Aunty Dee would be okay with me staying a bit longer.”

Rusty’s eyes widened. “How much longer?”

Her smile turned mischievous. “Longer, longer,” she teased.

Rusty’s face lit up. “Like quit-your-job-and-move-to-Big-Island longer?”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Yeah, that.”

“Yes! Are you sure?” His voice was full of emotion.

“Absolutely.” She let out a little squeal of delight, and her body seemed to melt into Rusty’s as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

He pressed his lips to her forehead. “I can’t believe you would quit your job for me.”

She giggled. “I’m not doing it just for you, silly. I’m quitting that rotten job for me.”

Rusty cocked his head. “You don’t like your job? But you’re amazing at it.”

She shrugged. “I like what I do, but I don’t like the people I work with. Well, mostly just one man.”

Rusty’s expression turned serious. “Did he hurt you?”

His tone was all male possessiveness, and it sent a delicious shiver down her spine. She hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. Deciding to keep it vague, she said, “He gave me a scare, that’s all.”

Rusty’s face darkened and his eyes flashed with anger. “Give me his name, and I’ll take care of him.”

She chuckled, unsure what he meant by take care of him . “Actually, I’ve already taken care of him, in my own way.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Really? How?”

A sassy smile spread across her face. “I may have inserted some code into his Teams’ meetings that turned his background into images of pigs wallowing in mud.”

Rusty roared with laughter. “That’s genius! I’m so proud of you.”

She giggled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. “I know, right? And the best part is, no one has been able to undo it.”

“You’re brilliant.”

She shrugged. “Thanks.”

He curled her hair around her ear. A question seemed to linger on his lips.

Deciding to keep the tone upbeat, she said, “You know what I can’t decide?”

“What?”

“Whether we should have a glass of wine and watch the sun set or go for a swim.”

He jumped to his feet and held his hand toward her. “Let’s do both.”

She didn’t know where to look, his chiseled body, his strong arms, or his other . . . assets.

He hauled her upright, and as he scooped her into his arms and carried her out of the cave, his gaze fell to her wobbling breasts. “Wow.”

She burst out laughing, feeling twenty again. He crossed the sun-warmed sand in long strides, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her into the waves. The warm ocean lapped at their skin, awakening a forgotten freedom within her.

As the sunset unfolded on the horizon, the sky was set ablaze with vibrant colors, casting a warm, golden glow over their secret hideaway. The waves gently lapped against the shore, adding a soothing melody to their setting.

Rusty waded deeper into the water, and when the depth reached his hips, he tossed her away. She let out a squeal as she splashed into the ocean and the warm water enveloped her like a soothing balm. She surfaced, laughing and spluttering and shoving wet hair away from her face. “You bastard.”

Rusty grinned, clearly very happy with himself. “You look beautiful when you’re wet.”

She rolled her eyes, giggling. “Oh, really?” She jumped onto his shoulders, and as she pushed him down, he let out a cute growl as he went under.

When he resurfaced, she splashed him.

“You bugger!” His eyes flared with mock outrage.

He charged after her, and they erupted into fits of laughter, splashing and dunking each other like a couple of crazy kids. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they finally exhausted themselves and their playful chaos gave way to sighs of contentment. They floated on their backs in the calm water, and their hands laced together as they watched the stars twinkle in the night sky.

Rusty squeezed her palm to his. “You ready for a wine yet?”

“Absolutely. And some food. All this exercise has made me hungry.”

Rusty chuckled, and as they stepped from the water, his hand settled on the small of her back, guiding her toward the cave. The familiar touch sent a wave of nostalgia washing over her, transporting her back to a time when life was simpler and their love was new. Rusty’s hand felt exactly as it had all those years ago—warm, gentle, and possessive.

“You still prefer white wine over red?” Rusty broke into her thoughts.

She gasped. “You remember that?”

He pulled his shorts back on, concealing his glorious ass from her. “I remember everything about you.”

“Oh yeah? What else?” she asked, feeling young and electric as she tugged on her shorts and shirt.

Rusty’s eyes glinted with mischief. “Like how you always tuck your hair behind your ear when you’re nervous.” He reached up, catching her hand as it moved unconsciously toward her hair.

“No, I don’t!” A wave of heat flushed her cheeks.

His answering chuckle was deep and rich, something caught between a growl and a laugh that made heat pool in her belly.

Oh yeah, some things definitely improve with age.

His fingers trailed from her elbow to her wrist before he kneeled on the picnic blanket. As he plucked the wine and glasses from the bucket, Sienna studied the tattoo on his arm. Up close, the intricate design shifted and rippled as he moved, revealing details she’d missed in earlier glimpses. Each line and shadow added another layer to the man she thought she knew.

“And I remember,” he said, offering her a glass with that devastating half-smile, “how you used to steal my T-shirts and claim you were just ‘keeping them warm’ for me.”

Heat bloomed across her neck as she sat cross-legged on the blanket, facing him. “About that . . .”

His eyes sparkled with amusement as if he knew what she was about to say. “What?”

“I still have one.” She sipped her wine, enjoying the crisp taste. “The blue UC Berkeley T-shirt you practically worshipped.”

He paused with the glass suspended halfway to his lips. “You kept it for eighteen years?”

“Well,” she said, gliding her fingers over the stem of her glass, “I told myself I was just holding onto it until I could return it properly.” She ran her tongue over her lip.

“You were hoping to see me again?” He set his glass down and shifted closer, their knees brushing.

“No, well, I don’t know what I was waiting for.” She met his gaze.

“I did a lot of waiting too.” His voice dropped lower. “And a lot of regretting. Letting you go that summer . . . God, I was such a jackass.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh yeah, a real jackass.”

“Yeah.” His smile turned apologetic. “I made a lot of mistakes in my life, but that one kept me up at night.”

She traced the edges of the tattoo that curved around his bicep. “We were both young and na?ve.”

“That’s no excuse for what I did.” His tone was heavy with regret.

She shifted forward and straddled his legs to sit in his lap with the same natural ease they used to have. His breath caught slightly. “Want to know what I think?”

His fingers found that rebellious strand of hair, tucking it behind her ear with a tenderness that made her heart ache. The gesture bridged eighteen years, both familiar yet electric with new possibilities.

“Tell me.” His hand lingered at her jaw.

“I think we needed those years apart.” She leaned into his touch, locking her eyes with his. “Back then, we were just kids playing at forever. We didn’t know what we wanted or needed. But now . . .”

She covered his hand with hers, turning it over to press a kiss to his palm. “Now we’re adults with scars and baggage, but also wisdom and confidence. Now we know exactly what we’re choosing.”

His other hand settled at her waist, and his thumb brushed the sliver of skin where her shirt had ridden up. “And what are we choosing, Red?”

She’d forgotten all about the nickname he teased her with all those years ago. But hearing it again after so long made her shiver. He really did remember.

“We’re choosing each other. Finally. And properly.” She traced the line of his jaw, feeling the slight rasp of evening stubble. “With no more apologies needed, and absolute honesty forever and always.”

His eyes searched hers. “No more apologies?”

His voice held a vulnerability that made her chest tight.

“No. You’ve said sorry enough, and we both need to move on from the hurt that’s been dragging us down.” She shifted closer until their foreheads touched. “It’s time to start living our lives again.”

He laughed softly. “When did you get so wise?”

“Mmm,” she smiled, “when I realized how much I wanted you.”

His breath hitched. “Oh God, you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear those words. I love everything about you, Sienna. Always have.” His hand slid into her hair to cradle the back of her neck. “I love you.”

This was the first time he’d ever spoken those three precious words, and yet, it was as if he’d been saying them to her forever.

Her heart swelled to bursting.

“I love you too.” She pressed her lips to his in a kiss that promised a lifetime of love, laughter, and lots of new adventures.

The end.